The Rise of a Master: It Starts With Rejection

"Probably," Ophelia said with a shrug. "Mr. Hoffman only mentioned that the Three Forbidden Lands could be helpful to you. He wasn't too sure about the specifics. He's too busy, so he sent me to help you explore them."

Felix was startled. "Ophelia, don't tell me... you've already been to all Three Forbidden Lands?"

When Ophelia nodded, Felix was stunned. The Three Forbidden Lands were places people in Martial City feared to even talk about, yet she had gone to all of them and returned unscathed. It was hard to believe.

"How else could I gather information for you? Look at you, acting all surprised. Honestly, Naomi would've been better suited for this task, but she couldn't give up on her dream of helping her village prosper. So here I am."

Felix chuckled bitterly. His fellow apprentices really went above and beyond for him.

"Still, the results weren't bad! I can't guarantee everything, but I'm quite proud of one thing. I've figured out the correct order to visit the Three Forbidden Lands. You have to go to Echo Cavern first, then Corpse Town, and finally Mist Ridge. If you mess up the sequence, there's a high chance you'll end up in mortal danger."

"I can't go with you, though," Ophelia added, her tone serious. "I could only keep myself safe and make it out alive. I couldn't delve too deeply into them. If I were to join you, it might even trigger unforeseen complications. It's too risky."

Felix's expression became conflicted. Hesitating for a moment, he tentatively said, "Um, Ophelia, would you believe me if I said I've already been to Echo Cavern?"

It was Ophelia's turn to be caught off guard, and she widened her eyes in shock. "What? You've actually been to Echo Cavern?"

Felix blinked innocently, and Ophelia patted her chest in relief.

"Phew! That was close! Good thing it wasn't one of the other two zones. Otherwise, we'd probably be building a grave for you right now. Ugh, I can't believe I underestimated you like this!

"I just assumed that with your current strength, you wouldn't even think about approaching the Three Forbidden Lands anytime soon.noveldrama

wanted to gather more incon

before seeking you out, but thankfully, nothing bad happened."

५

Upon seeing her visibly shaken expression, Felix couldn't help but laugh nervously. "Well, I did get è something from Echo Cavern. It's a daggen called Lumen. It's already bonded to my soul. But I can only vaguely sense its presence. I don't know how to control it ofuse it properly."

From Ophelia's startled look, it was clear even she didn't know what secrets lay within Echo Cavern.

"Alright then," she said. "Your next stop should be Corpse Town. As for when you go, that's up to you."

Stretching her arms lazily, Ophelia grinned playfully. "Well, my mission here is done. I'm heading back to the capital tomorrow. I really don't like this place."

Felix grimaced. "Ophelia, can't you stay and help me a little longer?"

Glaring at him, Ophelia pinched his nose. "You little rascal, are you looking for a free bodyguard? I wouldn't mind, but take a look at that stone Mr. Hoffman gave you."

Felix pulled out the stone, only to watch it crumble to dust right before his eyes.

"That's a signal from Mr. Hoffman. Once we meet, the stone

disintegrates, letting him know. So have to go back. Mr. Hoffman has other tasks for me in the big city. You don't want him storming into Martial City and spanking the both of us, do you?"

Felix sighed, realizing there was no way around it. If Ophelia stayed, they could go anywhere in Martial City. Even the so-called Imperial City wouldn't be off-limits.

Ophelia glanced out the window at the full moon, a smile tugging at her lips.

"Do you want to know why the Skeletal Demon always came to Ghosttown during the full moon? Come with me, and I'll show you."